Child Abuse and Neglect
According to the Kansas Child Protection Act (July 1, 1977), child care centers must report suspected child abuse and neglect.
Legal Responsibility to Report
- Required by: Doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, psychologists, social workers, teachers, school personnel, day care providers, and law enforcement officers.
- Report to: Department of Children and Families or District Court.
- Penalty for Non-Compliance: Up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
Our Duty to Report
- It is our legal and moral obligation to report suspected abuse.
- Recognizing and reporting child abuse is crucial for preventing long-lasting harm to the child.
Before removing a child from a home, consider the following four questions:
- What can we do to remove the danger instead of the child?
- Can someone the child knows move into the home to remove the danger?
- Can the caregiver and child go live with a relative or family friend?
- Could the child temporarily live with a relative or family friend?